Archive for the ‘Scars’ Category

Fractora is skin treatment, that delivers RF (RadioFrequency) energy to the dermal tissue of the skin through an array of tiny pins similar to micro needles. Fractora delivers improvements in the broadest range of symptoms of aging skin including sagging skin, improve definition, fine lines, deep lines, texture, even visible blood vessels in the face. It is also effective for addressing acne and reducing the appearance of acne scars.

How Does Fractora Work

Fractora uses tiny needle like pins to precisely deliver RF energy to various selectable depths in the skin. While laser resurfacing procedures work from the top down, Fractora works from the bottom up, allowing for safe treatment to deeper layers of the dermis. Similar to fractional laser treatment, fractora treats a “fraction” of the total surface area, so the untreated skin between the pins helps to promote faster healing of the treated tissue. As with all fractional treatments, more than one treatment is recommended. Typically 3 treatments are scheduled about 3-6 weeks apart.

Anti-Aging, Lines, Texture and Lax Skin

Acne and Acne Scars

Sometimes, a treatment that is originally designed to address one issue, can has the surprising benefit of addressing another. In this case Fractora, is effective at reducing acne lesions. Research suggests that this may be due to a temporary shrinking of the sebaceous (oil) gland. This is exciting news, because in the past we would want to have acne well-controlled before treating acne scars, and now there is potential to address both at the same time.

Broken Blood Vessels and Rosacea

Fractora has been shown to reduce visible vessels around the nose and on the face. Although, it has been shown to treat broken blood vessels I would not consider RF Needling as a rosacea specific treatment per se. However, Fractora is certainly an option to be considered for rosacea sufferes looking to also address acne that may be assosiated or signs of aging like fine lines.

Neck and Body

Fractora is commonly used on the face and neck, but body areas may be treated as well, including chest, arms, abdomen and thighs. It may be used to improve skin texture on non-facial skin or improve stretch marks or scars on the body.

Décolletage is what we call the neckline, or more specifically the area made up of the neck, chest and cleavage. If we neglect this area between our face and breasts, it is sure to age us. Although we can cover up our décolletage, we would certainly be limiting our style and where is the fun in that.

The décolletage is a special concern, because it tends to suffer more sun damage than other areas and women also tend to develop lines between the breast while sleeping on their side. Luckily, there are plenty of options to improve this area, but we have to be patient as correction for non-facial skin is much slower than it is when treating the face. When we treat the décolletage or any non-facial area, we need to treat more conservatively and thus, more often. The skin cell turn over for non-facial skin tends to be slower, so this means the recovery process will take longer, which will require more time spaced between treatments. When treating the décolletage you should treat early and often. Slow and steady wins the race.

When it comes to skin care and anti-aging, the best approach is a comprehensive one. One treatment does not necessarily replace the other. Your skincare provider should work to help you understand which treatments are best for you and the time line that treatments may be done. When budget is a concern, you will need to decide which concerns are a priority for you.

Topical Skin Care

The first step is to use effective skin care products on your neck and chest, every morning and every night, just as you would your face. Most of the skin care products that are used on the face, can also be used on the chest. Some topicals, such as hydroquinone and retinoids need to be used less frequently on non-facial skin to avoid irritation. Some products should be used daily, such as topical antioxidants and an SPF 30 or higher. There are some great products formulated specifically for the neck and chest. Revision skin care formulated Nectifirm for firming the neck and décolletage. NIA 24 Sun Damage Repair for Décolletage and Hands, is formulated with patented Pro-Niacin to repair damaged skin. Consult with your Esthetician, to determine the appropriate protocol for you.

NIA 24 Before and After

PhotoFacial IPL/BBL

Treatments that use Intense Pulsed Light work to treat brown spots and redness. There is also research to suggest that ongoing treatments will positively effected gene expression in the skin to mimic that of a younger person. Generally a series of 3-5 treatments are recommended, scheduled 3-4 weeks apart. For enhanced results Levulan may be applied prior, this is known as PhotoDynamic Therapy.

Chemical Peels

Medium depth chemical peels that reach the papillary dermis or upper reticular dermis, such as the Obagi Blue Peel or ZO controlled depth peel will improve skin discolorations, improve texture, laxity, lines and stretchable wrinkles. A medium depth peel on the chest, may take up to 14 days for peeling to be complete. On the up side, peels on the face generally do not look bad during the peeling phase and are easy to tolerate. These peels can be done as often as 4 times a year, however I find that once a year is optimal when combined with other treatments.

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is the treatment of choice for the lines that develop between the breasts. Ultherapy works at a deeper level than any other non-surgical treatment, to lift and tighten skin. Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to target deep into the dermis and even the top of the muscle. Like many other aesthetic treatments, Ultherapy works by creating a wound healing response, but because the targeted areas are at a deeper level we see more tightening and lifting. The increased collagen production in the treated area, can be seen a year post treatment. Most people should plan on repeating this treatment once a year, although younger patients may be able to stretch it out to every two years. Those with advanced photo damage, or who desire more improvement may choose to repeat the treatment in six months. Pain medication may be prescribed, in which case you will need to arrange for someone to bring you in to your appointment and take you home.

Fractional Resurfacing

Non facial skin does not respond well to “full coverage” ablative laser resurfacing. Non-ablative or sublative fractional resurfacing treatments, such as E-Matrix or Fraxel are more appropriate for treating non-facial skin. These treatments reduce lines, wrinkles and smooth skin texture. Like many other aesthetic treatments, fractional lasers work by creating a wound healing response in the skin, that stimulates the fibroblast in the skin to up regulate the production of collagen. Because laser treatments create heat, we appreciate a different type of wound healing response than we do with other treatments such as chemical peels, micro needling, which is why we see the up regulation of collagen for longer periods of time post treatment.
Fractional lasers generally work in the deeper layers of the skins dermis, an area which is not effected by chemical peels or IPL treatments. The frequency and number of treatments will depend on the level of treatment performed, level of correction desired and condition of skin.

Micro-Needling Collagen Induction Therapy

Aesthetic professionals use micro-needling pens such as the Eclipse or Dermapen, to deliver tiny needles into the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin creating micro-injuries. This begins a natural wound healing or renewal process that will stimulate collagen production in the treated area. There is little to no down-time, and it is surprisingly comfortable. Although, micro needling treatments do not deliver the same level of correction to skin texture as fractional lasers, they are the treatment of choice for scars and stretch marks. Micro-needling is also a good option for early intervention or in between other aesthetic treatments.

Stars like Angelina Jolie and Kim Kardashian are rumored to be fans of Collagen Induction Therapy, also known as micro-needling. Collagen Induction Therapy is a minimally-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and even stretch marks of the face and body by improving collagen production in the skin.

About Collagen in The Skin

Collagen is the main structural protein of the skin, it is produced by a cell in the dermis called fibroblast. Collagen works with elastin and keratin to provide tensile strength, firmness, elasticity, resilience, and skin density. Throughout life the activity of the fibroblast slows and the genes that degrade collagen become more active, as a result collagen levels continuously and progressively decline. Adding insult to injury, the quality of collagen is also degraded and less organized. There are a variety of influences that can further accelerate the decline of collagen, such as genetics, hormones, and sun damage. Collagen begins to decline in our 20’s, and by the time we are in our 40’s, it’s about half of what it was at 18.
Scar tissue is also composed of collagen, but the organization of the collagen is different. In scar tissue, the collagen is aligned in a single direction, instead of a random basket weave formation.

How it Works

Micro-needling delivers tiny needles into the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin creating micro-injuries. These micro-injuries to the skin break up old collagen strands which cause the skin to begin a natural wound healing or renewal process. During the renewal process, skin releases growth factor which triggers fibroblast proliferation, matrix production, followed by the deposition of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and GAGs. This tissue remodeling results in an increase of collagen production that is better organized. This collagen induction process can improve lines, wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks. Micro-needling is an exciting anti-aging option to induce collagen, even at an early stage.

The best part is, there is little to no down time, and, with topical anesthetic, it is very comfortable.